Pre-visualisation and format choice.

[fidget]

Looking over my scans of negatives (B&W) from a range of cameras, in particular my MF work, I came to realise that for the majority of my work I have produced images which matched the format I was using at the time.

By this I mean that when shooting with 6x6, I would generally compose square images and when shooting 4.5x6 compose to suit the whole frame. It is very rare that I produce a square format crop from a 3:4 or 2:3 neg but am happy to knock them out by the dozen from my TLR.

This needn't be a problem, but I wondered if this indicates (or even confirms) that I generally do not visualise a scene or composition and then use a camera to realise it, rather I search for a composition through whatever VF I have in use.
I find this slightly uncomfortable, is this a failing?



Dave....

 

[oftheherd]

Everyone is different. I think that's OK. When I worked with a 6x6 TLR, I would take a 6x6 if it fit, just as or perhaps more often, I was looking at the retagular lines and probably trying to fit that composition as near the middle as possible so I could use more if I wanted later. Oddly, I don't find myself doing that so militantly with my 6x6 folders. Go figure.

For those not tied to 6x6 by having committed to it already, I also recommend 6x7. So much more negative.

 

[fidget]

For those not tied to 6x6 by having committed to it already, I also recommend 6x7. So much more negative.

I know what you mean by recommending 6x7. I once had GAS for a 6x7 but successfully convinced myself that it was only fractionally better than 6x6 with a thin sliver cropped off (but very much more expensive).

Dave.....

 

[Roger Hicks]

...is this a failing?

Dear Dave,

I'd regard it as more of a failing if you couldn't use the tools at hand.

Cheers,

R.

 

[fidget]

Now that I think of it, visualising an image, or even simple composition can't be a strong point of mine. When I have (thankfully) realised that I am standing in front of a scene that will make a good image, I can shot off quite a few frames, varying the standpoint.
When viewing the results, it's often a complete "no-brainer" to see which is the best composition, but on the day, I didn't recognise it.
I claim that this is part of the learning curve and that I can only improve (but still enjoying the challenge, which is very likely more important).

Dave....